When asked by Goal about his side's chances of qualifying for the AFC Cup next year, Selangor head coach Maniam Pachaiappan answered that they need to prepare for that chance by collecting maximum points from their remaining league matches.

Selangor are currently fifth in the Malaysia Super League (MSL) standings, but are within touching distance of the second spot with three league rounds remaining.

If the Red Giants succeed in leapfrogging Kedah, Pahang and Felda United to second place, there is a slim chance of them qualifying for the AFC Cup, if confirmed MSL winners Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) qualify for the continent's premier club competition; the AFC Champions League instead of the AFC Cup.

"We never thought too much about it, but if we have the chance we will definitely take it.

"We want to finish in the second spot or third and I believe we have the chance, and we have to focus on the remaining three league matches.

"We have PKNS, Melaka United and also Pulau Pinang. So if we manage to collect the maximum nine points, we have a good chance of qualifying for the AFC Cup," said Maniam when met after his team's training session on Thursday.

The last time Selangor competed in the AFC Cup was in the 2016 edition, with their campaign ending at the group stage.